Determination of Rainwater Quality from Rainwater Harvesting System at Ungku Omar College, UKM Bangi

The aim of this study was to determine the water quality level of Rainwater Harvesting System (MyRAWAS) built at Ungku Omar Residential College, UKM, Bangi. The parameters analysed were compared with the National Water Quality Standards Malaysia (NWQS) and Drinking Water Quality Standards. The parameters that were tested in the analysis of rainwater were temperature, pH, turbidity, total suspended solid (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli. The study showed that all parameters conform to the standard set by National Water Quality Standards Malaysia (NWQS) and Drinking Water Quality Standards. The results showed that temperature, pH, turbidity, TSS, DO, BOD, COD and NH3-N mean values are 26.2 degrees C-28.6 degrees C, 6.18-6.36, 0.93-3.06 ntu, 1.0-4.6 mg/L, 6.21-8.29 mg/L, 0.21-0.43 mg/L, 3-7 mg/L and 0.01-0.47mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile the Total Coliform and Escherichia coli are below the maximum limit set by the Drinking Water Quality Standards. According to the Water Quality Index (IKA), the quality of rainwater in the study area is in class IIA for sampling point T1 and T2 and turned into class I after undergoing filtration treatment at sampling point T3. The result showed that the rainwater is safe to be used for their daily activities.